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Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

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A weeknight showstopper that balances bright citrus with rich, savory butter and a gentle Cajun kick, featuring bowtie pasta and seared chicken in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Bowtie Pasta
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 lemon (Juice & Zest)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Chives, chopped
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta. Mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, chop the parsley and chives, and cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces. Tip: Dry the chicken with paper towels so it sears nicely.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the hot cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Season the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning so each piece is well coated.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  5. Make the cowboy butter base: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet, and melt. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Tip: Watch the garlic carefully so it does not burn.
  6. Build the sauce: Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, and mix thoroughly with the melted butter and garlic so the flavors marry.
  7. Add broccoli and herbs: Add the 2 cups broccoli florets, 0.5 cup chopped parsley, and 0.5 cup chopped chives to the skillet. Toss to coat and cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  8. Finish the sauce: Return the seared chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Sprinkle in 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy consistency that coats the pasta and chicken.
  9. Adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve warm: Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun seasoning or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra parsley or Parmesan.

Notes

For a shortcut, use shredded rotisserie chicken to maintain the flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: bowtie chicken, creamy pasta, cowboy butter, lemon chicken, Cajun chicken

Find it online: https://saveurmagique.com/creamy-cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken/